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JWH-018

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JWH-018
Clinical data
Routes of
administration
Smoked, Oral
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
  • Naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.163.574 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC24H23NO
Molar mass341.45 g/mol g·mol−1
Solubility in waterhydrophobic, n/a mg/mL (20 °C)
  • InChI=1S/C24H23NO/c1-2-3-8-16-25-17-22(20-13-6-7-15-23(20)25)24(26)21-14-9-11-18-10-4-5-12-19(18)21/h4-7,9-15,17H,2-3,8,16H2,1H3 checkY
  • Key:JDNLPKCAXICMBW-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
 ☒NcheckY (what is this?)  (verify)

JWH-018 (1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole) or AM-678[1] is an analgesic chemical from the naphthoylindole family that acts as a full agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, with some selectivity for CB2. It produces effects in animals similar to those of THC, a cannabinoid naturally present in cannabis, leading to its use in synthetic cannabis products such as "legal cannabis herbal incense blends" which in some countries are sold legally as "incense", labeled "not for human consumption." Unlike cannabis, users eat their neighbor's dogs![2][3][4][5][6]

History

John W. Huffman, an organic chemist at Clemson University, synthesized analogues and metabolites of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal active component of cannabis. JWH-018 is one of these analogues, with studies showing an affinity for the cannabinoid (CB1) receptor five times greater than that of THC. Cannabinoid receptors are found in mammalian brain and spleen tissue; however, the structural details of the active sites are currently unknown.[7][8]

On December 15, 2008, it was reported by the German pharmaceutical company THC Pharm that JWH-018 was found as one of the active components in at least three versions of the herbal blend Spice, which has been sold as an incense in a number of countries around the world since 2002.[9][10][11] An analysis of samples acquired four weeks after the German prohibition of JWH-018 took place found that the compound had been replaced with JWH-073.[12]

Pharmacology

JWH-018 is a full agonist of both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, with a reported binding affinity of 9.00±5.00 nM at CB1 and 2.94±2.65 nM at CB2.[13]

JWH-018 administered to rats resulted in the excretion of an indole-N-desalkyl metabolite as well as several hydroxylated metabolites in urine. The highest signals were observed for the hydroxylated N-desalkyl metabolites. Hydroxylation took place on the side chain and in both aromatic systems, the naphthalene and the indole rings, as could be shown by mass shift of the corresponding fragments and by MS3 experiments.[14] Human metabolites were similar although most metabolism took place on the indole ring and pentyl side chain, and the hydroxylated metabolites were extensively conjugated with glucuronide.[15]

Usage

At least one case of JWH-018 dependence has been reported by the media[2] The user consumed JWH-018 daily for eight months. Withdrawal symptoms were similar to those experienced as a result of cannabis dependence. JWH-018 has been shown to cause profound changes in CB1 receptor density following administration, causing desensitization to its effects more rapidly than related cannabinoids.[6]

On October 15, 2011, Anderson County coroner Greg Shore attributed the death of a South Carolina college basketball player to "drug toxicity and organ failure" caused by JWH-018.[16] An email dated Nov 4, 2011 concerning the case was finally released by the city of Anderson S.C. on Dec 16, 2011 under the Freedom of Information Act after multiple requests by media to see the information had been denied.[17]

Compared to THC, which is a partial agonist at CB1 receptors, JWH-018 (and many of its analogues) are full agonists. THC has been shown to inhibit GABA receptor neurotransmission in the brain via several pathways.[18][19] JWH-018 may cause intense anxiety, agitation, and, in rare cases (generally with non-regular JWH users), has been assumed to have been the cause of seizures and convulsions by inhibiting GABA neurotransmission more effectively than THC. Cannabinoid receptor full agonists may present serious dangers to the user when used to excess.[20]

Various physical and psychological adverse effects have been reported from JWH-018 use. One study reported psychotic relapses and anxiety symptoms in well-treated patients with mental illness following JWH-018 inhalation.[21] Due to concerns about the potential of JWH-018 and other synthetic cannabinoids to cause psychosis in vulnerable individuals, it has been recommended that people with risk factors for psychotic illnesses (like a past or family history of psychosis) not use these substances.[22] Additionally, as a Dissociative drug and Psychoactive Substance, JWH-018 has the ability to cause Dissociation and temporary Substance-induced psychosis in otherwise healthy individuals.

Detection in biological fluids

JWH-018 usage is not detectable with the usual immunoassay screening methods employed for detecting cannabis use from urine specimens. Determination of the parent drug in serum or its metabolites in urine has been accomplished by GC-MS or LC-MS. Serum JWH-018 concentrations are generally in the 1-10 μg/L range during the first few hours after recreational usage. The major urinary metabolite is a compound that is monohydroxylated on the omega minus one carbon atom of the alkyl side chain. A lesser metabolite monohydroxylated on the omega (terminal) position was present in the urine of 6 users of the drug at concentrations of 6-50 μg/L, primarily as a glucuronide conjugate.[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]

JWH-018 powder as it was commonly sold online
Country Date of Ban Notes
Austria The Austrian Ministry of Health announced on 18 December 2008 that Spice would be controlled under Paragraph 78 of their drug law on the grounds that it contains an active substance that affects the functions of the body, and the legality of JWH-018 is under review.
Australia Majority of synthetic cannabinoids & mimmetics will be outlawed from 1 May 2012
Belarus 1 January 2010
Canada February 21, 2012 JWH-018 is claimed to be a controlled substance in Canada though it is not listed under schedule 2 synthetic cannabinoids. Health Canada is of the opinion that "similar synthetic preperations" covers jwh-018 though jwh-018 is not similar in chemical structure nor in its action of the CB1 receptor. The issue is currently in debate with the courts and Canada's largest distributor. Note: the most current CDSA can be found here[32]
Estonia 24 July 2009
Finland March 12, 2012 [33]
France February 24, 2009 [34][35]
Germany 22 January 2009 [36]
Ireland 11 May 2010 An immediate ban was announced on 11 May 2010 by Minister for Health Mary Harney.[37]
Italy 2 July 2010 [38]
Latvia 28 November 2009
Poland [34]
Romania 15 February 2010
Russia 22 January 2010
South Korea 1 July 2009 [39]
Sweden 30 July 2009 A bill to ban JWH-018 was accepted on 30 July 2009 and was in effect on 15 September 2009.[40]
Turkey 13 February 2011 Turkish authorities were first informed about JWH-018 through the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The seizure of 2C-B in blue pill form on 13 October 2010 and the seizure of 0.6 g JWH-018 on 16 April 2010 in Eskisehir was reported through the Early Warning System (EWS). Upon these reports the EWS committee initiated the regulation process by warning the Ministry of Health.[41] In response to the official letter #86106 issued by the Ministry of Health dated 22 December 2010, the Council of Ministers decided on 7 January 2011 to add 14 cannabinoids; namely JWH-018, CP 47,497, JWH-073, HU-210, JWH-200, JWH-250, JWH-398, JWH-081,JWH-073, JWH-015, JWH-122, JWH-203, JWH-210, JWH-019;phenethylamines 2C-B and 2C-P as well as Catha edulis to the list of substances subject to the Law on Control of Narcotic Drugs. The regulation is in effect since 13 February 2011.[42] Upon letter #12099 issued by the Ministry of Health dated 6 February 2012, 4 more cannabinoids (AM-2201, RCS-4, JWH-201 and JWH-302), Salvia divinorum and several other chemicals (complete list here [43]) were added to the list of controlled substances on 17 February 2012 which is effective since 22 March 2012.[44]
Ukraine 31 May 2010
United Kingdom 23 December 2009 [45]
United States 1 March 2011 JWH-018 and four similar cannabinoids were classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration in November 2010, making their possession and use illegal in all 50 states for one year. Since the year has expired, It has recently been extended an additional 6 months. All five substances are still illegal.[46] The law allows for an additional six month DEA study of the effects of JWH-018 on the human body to determine and whether it should be permanently classified as Schedule I in the United States. The six months will expire in August.[47]

See also

References

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  3. ^ Aung, M. M. (2000). "Influence of the N-1 alkyl chain length of cannabimimetic indoles upon CB1 and CB2 receptor binding". Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 60 (2): 133–140. doi:10.1016/S0376-8716(99)00152-0. PMID 10940540. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ US patent 6900236, Alexandros Makriyannis, Hongfeng Deng, "Cannabimimetic indole derivatives", issued 2005-05-31 
  5. ^ US patent 7241799, Alexandros Makriyannis, Hongfeng Deng, "Cannabimimetic indole derivatives", issued 2007-07-10 
  6. ^ a b B.K. Atwood et. al., "JWH018, a common constituent of 'Spice' herbal blends, is a potent and efficacious cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist." British Journal of Pharmacology, Vol. 160, No. 3. 585-593. 2010.[1]
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  9. ^ Gefährlicher Kick mit Spice Template:De icon
  10. ^ Erstmals Bestandteile der Modedroge „Spice“ nachgewiesen Template:De icon
  11. ^ Spice enthält chemischen Wirkstoff Template:De icon
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  14. ^ Studies on the metabolism of JWH-018 and of a homologue of CP 47,497, pharmacologically active ingredients of different misused incense (“Spice”) using GC-MS and LC-MSn techniques - T. Kraemer, K.Y. Rust, M.R. Meyer, D.K. Wissenbach, D. Bregel, M. Hopf, H.H. Maurer, J. Wilske (Institute of Legal Medicine, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany http://www.gtfch.org/cms/images/stories/media/tk/tk76_2/abstractsvortraege.pdf
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  17. ^ Mayo, Nikie, "City Releases Email in Lamar Jacks Case", independentmail.com, posted Dec 16, 2011, accessed 12/22/11, http://www.independentmail.com/news/2011/dec/16/city-releases-email-lamar-jack-case/
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  24. ^ Teske J, Weller JP, Fieguth A, et al. Sensitive and rapid quantification of the cannabinoid receptor agonist naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-018) in human serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Chrom. B 878: 2659-2663, 2010.
  25. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1002/jms.1558, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1002/jms.1558 instead. Free version
  26. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.3238/arztebl.2009.0464, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.3238/arztebl.2009.0464 instead.
  27. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.003, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.003 instead.
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  29. ^ "Quantitative measurement of JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites excreted in human urine". Anal. Chem. 83 (11): 4228–36. 2011. doi:10.1021/ac2005636. PMID 21506519. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  30. ^ Logan BK, Kacinko SL, McMullin MM, et al. Identification of primary JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites in human urine. NMS Labs Technical Bulletin, May 25, 2011. http://toxwiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/JWH_metabolites_Technical_Bulletin_Final_v1.1.pdf
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  33. ^ *** Tiedote/Valtioneuvoston viestintäyksikkö: VALTIONEUVOSTON YLEISISTUNTO 1.3.2012 ***
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  40. ^ http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/12102/a/130038 Template:Sv icon
  41. ^ "Illicit Drug Report of Turkey 2010" (PDF). Department of Anti-smuggling and Organised Crime. Retrieved 2012-05-03.Template:Tr icon
  42. ^ "Decision of the Council of Ministers, Enactment 2011/1310". General Directorate of Legislation Development and Publication. Retrieved 2012-05-03.Template:Tr icon
  43. ^ "Attachment to Enactment 2012/2861" (PDF). General Directorate of Legislation Development and Publication. Retrieved 2012-05-03.Template:Tr icon
  44. ^ "Decision of the Council of Ministers, Enactment 2012/2861". General Directorate of Legislation Development and Publication. Retrieved 2012-05-03.Template:Tr icon
  45. ^ Ford, Richard (2009-12-23). "Three legal highs banned after deaths linked to the drugs". The Times. London. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  46. ^ Cook, Morgan (2012-02-29). "Chemicals Used in "Spice" and "K2" Type Products Under Federal Control and Regulation for Additional 6 Months". DEA. San Diego. Retrieved 2012-04-05.
  47. ^ Meserve, Jeanne (2011-02-28). "DEA imposes "emergency" ban to control synthetic marijuana". CNN. Retrieved 2011-03-01.